Research Experience for Undergraduates (Note: this program is not currently offered)

2005-2010 Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates Program

Participants in the Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program, supported by the National Science Foundation, spent eight weeks developing confidence and independence in completing research and communicating science. The program gave priority to students who are at the beginning of their career and may not have significant prior research experience.

BML’s summer REU students had the opportunity to interact with ~30 other under-graduates, 15-20 graduate students, and as many as 50 faculty, researchers, and staff. REU students joined barbecues, soccer games, seminar socials, and informal get-togethers through their stay at BML.

Faculty and other mentors provided one-on-one research training, from choosing a topic to writing a paper, in a supportive and encouraging environment. Students learned to communicate their research results in an effective way in special modules during the program. Students also developed essential career survival skills; the program provided modules in science ethics and effective science communication. Guest scientists visited the program to interact with the student participants.

“I cannot imagine a more effective way of actualizing my awe of science and nature than the summer research fellowships I participated in my sophomore and junior years of college”-Abigail Bradley, University of Delaware

REU students chose from a variety of study organisms, habitats (both marine and coastal terrestrial), and areas of study, including coastal oceanography, invasive species ecology, pollution effects on marine life and biodiversity. See previous program student project posters. Specialized research facilities are available to students who require them.

BML is situated on an unparalleled and biologically rich stretch of the California coast north of San Francisco and is a part of the University of California at Davis. BML welcomes a diverse and interactive community of visiting students and scientists each summer.

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0453251. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.